Dog Training - Tips and Techniques to Train your Dog

Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewable Tablets for dogs

2009-02-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewables

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES:

Contains 23 essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plus omega fatty acids and colostrum to provide for the optimum ratio of these essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle for your cherished canine.
Contains the equivalent of 2+ Pet-Tab Brand Multi-vitamin tablets in only one daily dosage.
Ideal for any dog that lives an active lifestyle or who appears to have a lack of energy.
Great immune booster (with colostrum), highly recommended for dogs that have undergone surgery or are geriatric (over the age of 7).
Great ROAST BEEF and LIVER flavor, your dog will love it!

DESCRIPTION

Canine Super Potency Megavites & Colostrum Chewable Tablets for dogs offer the most complete daily supplement with 23 essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plus omega fatty acids and colostrum. This product is designed to bolster the immune systems of geriatric dogs, or dogs that have gone through a recent surgery/ trauma, or are used for field trials or hunting. It contains unique ingredients and is loaded with the powerful immune booster - colostrum. Just think what it can do for the normal immune system.

PRODUCT DOSAGE

Offer free choice or crumble and mix with food 1 chewable tablet daily for every 20 pounds of canine bodyweight.

INGREDIENTS

Each chewable tablet contains the following:

Ingredients	Amount
Colostrum	60 mg
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6s)	30 mg
Vitamin A	1300 IU
Vitamin D3	150 IU
Vitamin E	3 IU
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	810 mcg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	1 mcg
Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate)	2 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	10 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	820 mcg
Folic Acid	800 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)	10 mcg
Choline	20 mg
Calcium	160 mg
Phosphorous	100 mg
Potassium	16 mcg
Sodium	2 mg
Magnesium	1 mg
Iron	10 mcg
Copper	500 mcg
Manganese	60 mcg
Zinc	10 mg
Iodine	52 mcg
Selenium	4 mcg

Each chewable tablet has a great ROAST BEEF and LIVER flavor! Dogs love it!

Buy This One with Cheap Cost?

How To Be A Dog Handler

2008-12-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

By Kelly Marshall

When looking into training your dog you will notice that there are quite a few different ways in which you can do it. Each different dog training school teaches differently, so how do you know which ways are right and which ways are wrong? Also what skills are actually needed to make you a god dog handler?

The Skills You Need to Be a Dog Handler

Whilst professional dog handlers may make it look easy, it can actually be a lot of hard work. This means that first of all you will need a dedication to your dog and you will also need a lot of patience. It is so easy to become agitated and frustrated throughout training but if you are to train your dog properly, you are going to have to learn to be more patient than usual and encourage them as much as possible instead of snapping and dragging your dog around.

Another thing many people do not think about is that their body language is also actually quite important in dog training. So not only do you have to be aware of what your dog is doing, but you also need to know what your body is doing too as this is what judges look at during obedience competitions. Three important tips to remember include:

· Hand Signals should be used

· Always be consistent

· Know Your Dog

Both of these tips are important and you will find that in proper dog training you will mainly be using hand signals to tell your dog what is expected of them. However in order to teach hand signals you need to first teach voice signals. Once your dog is comfortable with voice commands, start introducing hand signals into the training. At first you may need to make your signals overly enthusiastic. This will help to grab the dog’s attention and they will start associating certain commands with certain hand signals. However as the dog becomes more experienced you will need to gradually stop giving such enthusiastic signals and make them a little more subtle. In competitions dog handlers give slight signals only and it is all about subtle control of over your dog.

Consistency is also an extremely important thing to remember when training any dog. You have to be consistent in order for the dog to learn anything. All dogs are different but mainly they do take a while to learn things and training sessions should be kept short. By making lessons short and fun your dog will soon start to look forward to the sessions and they will be eager to please you also. So if in the beginning your dog does not always do everything that they are told, do not show your frustration and simply gently correct the dog and be consistent. Your consistency will pay off in the end and you will end up with a trained and happy dog.

Finally the third tip is to know your dog. You need to know how your dog will react in certain situations and you need to know if they are capable of doing what you are asking them to do. There are different training methods available and not all of them are suitable for your dog. For example, if you have a gentle dog then it is certainly not a good idea to treat them rough and firm as they will soon become scared of training and they will not want to know about what you want from them, they will simply not want to do it because they are frightened of the consequences.

Overall remember these tips and you should find that you have a well behaved dog who is capable of competing at a professional level.

Visit Oh My Dog Supplies for great deals on dog beds & car seat covers for dogs

For more articles by Kelly Marshall on EzineArticles.com, see this interesting article on dietary needs for your dog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Dog Training - Personal VS. Professional

2008-12-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

By Emma Everson

It is always better to opt to train your dog personally, though there is nothing wrong with hiring a professional dog trainer to handle the task. Here are some strategies to get you started on the right path. Body and Hand control can be of great value to use body and hand movements as signals, but you must be conscious of their useful application.

You can later minimise these signals or cut them out when no longer needed. A lot of repetitions and praising your dog each time he does it right will reap results. Use of Food as Reward should never be used in place of other forms of reward or encouragement, but rather to back up or reinforce encouragement and praise.

A dog is used to being allowed outside when he whines at the door, but is suddenly no longer allowed out when he whines. Dog training can be quite a challenge, but if you follow the tips here, the task will be much easier. If he does something you like and you know he loves a belly rub, then fuss over him while you rub his belly, telling him that good dogs get their bellies rubbed.

“positive”, “negative”, “reinforcement” and “punishment” are technical terms that scientists use when discussing Operant Conditioning.

“Positive” means to add something. We add the reward, or add the punishment. By contrast, “Negative” means to take something away. We take away the reward, or take away the unpleasant stimulus.

“Reinforcement” is when we increase or maintain behavior. The behavior happens more often, more intensely, for longer periods, or it continues to happen without reducing in frequency, intensity or duration. By contrast, “Punishment” is when we decrease or eliminate behavior using consequence. We reduce the frequency, intensity or duration of the behavior.

For a greater insight into training your dog why not take a look at "How To Train Your Dog In One Evening".

My name is Emma Everson and I specialize in providing dog training solutions. I have been training dogs for 20 years and have researched extensively in all areas of dog behavior. How To Train Your Dog In One Evening is an outstanding collection of dog training secrets for training your dog quickly, it has entries from experts who collectively have 80 years experience, from Police dog handlers and show dog trainers to veterinary technicians.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Everson

Presa Canario - Breeding and Recovery

2008-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

By Sergei Tsoganov

The interest in Perro de Presa Canario was revived in the beginning of the 70´s, when the group of Spanish dog-scientists, which was working on the revivement of ancient national breeds, collected several remaining thoroughbred species of Canary dog on isolated farms, which became the beginning of all modern species.

In this beginning a great role was played by cross-breeding blood of different types of Presa of the first decade of the 20 th century, which were left on the Islands and other representatives of the Moloss group. This began a slow but continuous recovery of the breed.It was especially difficult to strengthen genetic traits, i.e. to give stability and typicality to the breed. With the aim of uniting forces to revive the Canary dog, the group of the breed-fanciers on Tenerife, which is by the way responsible for the major part of the currently existing population of Perro de Presa in Spain, in 1982 founded the Club Espanol del Presa Canario. Due to their purposeful work, in ten years the number of the breed increased so much that nowadays the dogs show up on the exhibition circuit regularly and gain popularity in other countries, first of all in the USA, where its appearance and spread is due to Karl Semenchik.

This long work culminated with the approval of the Official Standart of the Presa Canario on January 24, 1986. And since 1993 registrations of the breed have extended within the Canary Archipelago to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Without any doubt this popularity was promoted by traditional annual national specialised shows, which are aimed at the analysis of morphological and temperamental aspects of the present generation for further improvement of its breed signs. Official recognition of Perro de Presa influenced its further breeding: if until that moment the numerous breeders reproduced continuing with their just personal, valuing of the temperament of the animal, the good structure, good head, good front, good bone etc., now the standard became the guiding principle. Nevertheless, Presa Canario remaind polytypic, which was explained by non-co-ordination of its use.

For example, there is an amount of tension between specialists from Canary Islands and Tenerife, where was concentrated the most important nuclei of the population. Canary Islands insisted on using the best species, which could be successfully used in dog-fighting: in the selection powerful, brave, aggressive, persistent and large size animals dominate. It mettered to them less the phenotype and they looked for the strong character of the animal mainly. In order to strengthen these qualities, for some time it was considered possible to cross Canary dog with distant and foreign breeds, for example: English and Neapolitan Mastino, in smaller part Great Dane and others.
The most important defects were coats where there was an excess of white, oval eyes, with conjunctivas open to the air, excesses in the sizes and flat ribs. As for Tenerife, local scientists are more concerned about recovering the biotype of the breed, which had began in the prior decade and gaining the antique outlook of Canary dog. Their work ruled by a model that was formalized through historical photos, oral history of all time breeders and the population of the most representative examples of the time.

Attention was paid to head structure, coat (where the special brindle color named "Verdino" was preferable), good movements. The typical or racial expression should dictate above everything. They wanted to be Presa Canario a medium animal, been accustomed to right propotions, rectangular, with balanced character. However, crossing with foreign breeds, like Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Staffordshire bull terriers, Dogue de Bordeaux and others also took place. Nowadays the Perro de Presa Canario, as a result of all the crosses we have talked about, lacks of a precise phenotype. This is not a big problem because it could be solved by the passing of time with working in the right way.

All Presa breeders should be very responsible breeding their dogs. Selecting the crossings must be accomplished carefully in order to obtain a dog with the precise phenotype and balanced but very pronounced character with the natural working qualities of excellents guardians, man-stoppers and attack-dogs. Of course, should not breed Presa with lack of temperament or health problems like HIP and should test their dogs before using them in their breeding-programs.It is very important to remember that Presa Canario is a dog, which is more suitable for experienced trainers than for exhibition shows and prestige lovers.

Visit this site for more info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sergei_Tsoganov

Minnesota State Statutes Regarding Outdoor Dogs

2008-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

By Sandra McNeal

If you're going to keep a dog outdoors in the State of Minnesota, there are some specific requirements you need to be aware of. Minnesota State Statute 343.40 addresses the subject:

Minnesota State Statute 343.40 Dog Houses

Subd. 1. In general. A person in charge or control of any dog which is kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide the dog with shelter and bedding as prescribed in this section as a minimum.

Subd. 2. Building specifications. The shelter shall include a moisture proof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat. It shall be made of durable material with a solid, moisture-proof floor or a floor raised at least two inches from the ground. Between November 1 and March 31 the structure must have a windbreak at the entrance. The structure shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.

Subd. 3. Shade. Shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of June to September shall be provided.

Subd. 4. Farm dogs. In lieu of the requirements of subdivision 2 and 3, a dog kept on a farm may be provided with access to a barn with a sufficient quantity of loose hay or bedding to protect against cold and dampness.

Subd. 5. Zoning. All shelter required by this section shall be subject to all building or zoning regulations of any city, township, county or state.

Subd. 6. Penalty. Whoever violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

In order for your dog's outdoor shelter to be in compliance with this statute, here are the key points you need to understand.

1. A dog house with windows, a leaking roof, slats in the sides, or an open doorway are all in violation.

2. For the dog house to be of 'suitable to size to retain the dog's body heat', the following is recommended: the door height should be at least 3/4 of your pet's shoulder height (from the ground to the neck), the length and width should be at least equal to but not more than 25% larger than the distance between the nose and the base of the tail, and the height of the house should be at least 25% taller and no more than 50% the height of the pet when standing.

3. The dog house floor must be 2 inches above the ground. Standing water or mud do not qualify as ground. If the house stands in water or mud, or leans into water or mud, then it must be relocated to a dry spot, where the entire floor of the house will be 2 inches above dry ground.

4. Between November 1 and March 31, it is not sufficient to have an open doorway on the dog house. A dry piece of carpet may be used, however it is preferable that the dog house be equipped with a clear plastic door to allow the dog the ability to see light, approaching people, and other movement.

5. Dry bedding must be provided within the dog house. Damp or wet bedding is not acceptable.

6. June 1 - September 30, the house must be located in shade, whether man-made or natural.

The statute is very specific and overlooking any one of these steps is a violation of the State Statute. The fine for a petty misdeameanor is approximately $300 per occurrence, plus any applicable surcharges.

So let's say you agree to all of the above and have complied on every point ~ you're now ready to house your dog outdoors, right? NO. You are now only in compliance on the minimum standard for the dog house itself. However, there is still State Statute 346.39:

Subd. 1. Food. Dogs and cats must be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or the maintenance of body weight. Feed standards shall be those recommended by the National Research Council.

Subd. 2. Water. Dogs and cats must be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.

Snow or ice is not an adequate water source. This is possibly the most important item to understand, considering that water left in a bowl may turn to ice in mere minutes on a Minnesota winter's day, and will most certainly freeze overnight. A heated dish with an electric coil is the only practical solution, and these may be purchased for as little as $30. However, you will want to investigate various heated bowls, as not all bowls are capable of maintaining the proper temperature when the mercury drops to 30 below zero. Additionally, puddles, and stagnant or dirty water do not qualify as "potable" under the statute.

It is also important to remember that your pet may require additional calories in the winter months as it takes additional energy to keep body temperature regulated. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily calorie intake your dog will require to spend the winter outdoors.

Even though you provide adequate housing, warm water and food, and despite the fact that your animal has a fur coat, animals that are kept outdoors in freezing temperatures are still at risk for hypothermia and/or frostbite. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, slow or shallow respiration, and lethargy. If you suspect hypothermia, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If you attempt to warm the animal yourself, it is essential that ONLY the pet's abdomen and thorax are warmed; warming paws, ears, or other extremities first can cause the animal to go into shock.

Frostbite occurs most commonly on ears, paws, and tails. Frostbitten body parts are unlikely to have sensation until they begin to thaw, at which time they may become very red, swollen, and painful. It is not uncommon in Minnesota for dogs and cats to lose ears and tails due to extreme frostbite. Again, treating hypothermia or frostbite should not be attempted at home, these conditions require prompt attention from a veterinarian.

If you must keep your dog outdoors, particularly during extreme temperatures, there is much to consider. Your local humane society will be able to assist with any specific questions you have regarding dog houses, appropriate kennel space, and State statutes. The most important thing to remember is that protecting your pet against the elements is not only humane, it is the law.

Sandra McNeal is a former Minnesota State Humane Agent, whose focus is on humane legislation and spay-neuter initiatives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_McNeal

Bob

2008-12-15T05:14:00.001-08:00

By Sandra Cundy

Bob is the name of our dog. When we went to pick a dog out, we took my granddaughter with us because it was important to us that the granddaughter and the dog be compatible. Bob looked like a perfect fit. She was gentle, obedient, and seemed genuinely to want to go with us. At that time Bob was three years old. After we got through with all the formalities, we took Bob to the car, put her in the back seat with the granddaughter and headed home. About half way home, I turned in my seat and told my granddaughter, “We don’t have to call her Bob anymore. We can give her a girl’s name, like Misty or Bonnie or Sally. My granddaughter looked me right in the eye and said that Bob was a perfectly fine name. So Bob it is.

Once we got Bob home and over the ten years that we’ve had her, she has proven not to be the brightest puppy in the litter. But that’s okay with us because we really don’t expect much from her. My mother-in-law gets upset when we talk about Bob’s intelligence level. She is always asking why we would suggest that Bob is not very smart. We tell her because when the Domino ad comes on the TV, Bob goes to the door. When it rains, she sits out in the rain and gets wet and miserable. After ten years of my going to work at least 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, Bob still runs all over the house looking for me when my husband gets home from dropping me off at work.

Now that she is 13 years old, she is getting a little deaf and doesn’t hear as well as she use to. So now every time we go out somewhere and come home, Bob gets busted lying on the sofa. The sofa is actually two rocking recliners and we always knew that Bob was laying on it when we left the house, because quite often when we returned from going out and walked into the house, one side of the sofa would still be rocking. Now I can walk right up to the back of the sofa after returning home and there’s Bob, lying there listening intently for some noise. But I really don’t mind, because Bob has been a loving, loyal, gentle companion for us and I am glad that we rescued her.

http://www.my-grammys-attic.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Cundy

Training Your Dog - Behavior And Tricks

2008-12-15T05:13:00.001-08:00

By Pam Mitchell

I have had many dogs in my life time and one thing I can day is true is that a dog that is not trained is hard to keep. It is extremely frustrating when you own a dog and they are not well behaved, they are not house trained and they don;t know any tricks. You can't let them inside because they will make a mess by getting into everything and anything they can get into and they will defecate on your floor.

When I was young my parents never had the time to train our dogs. My siblings and I weren't quite sure how to train our dogs. We taught them a few basic tricks that they would perform once in a while if they felt like they wanted a treat, but that was the extent of their performance. We weren't quite sure how to house train our dogs so they stayed outside most of the time. The outside made them a little more wild than if they would have been kept inside. They started running away for a few days once in a while. Eventually they would run away for longer and longer periods of time and eventually they ran away and never came back. This is the reason why I decided to train the dog I have now.

Dog training is truly fantastic. It's amazing that you can get a puppy that doesn't have any behaviour training and "relieves" themself anywhere they want to having a dog that is so well behaved that not only can they do tricks, but they can make your life easier. For example if I want to sit down and relax after a hard day and I can't find the remote, I trained my dog so that he will bring me the remote if I am to lazy to find it. It also feels good having a dog that doesn't run up to people, bark and scare them when we go on walks.

I highly recommend taking the time to train your dog. With all the online books about dog training, it's really not that difficult and does not take a lot of time and effort. Plus it is great having a dog that knows how to behave themselves and can come inside your house without you having to worry.

For a review on the same ebook (electronic book) I used to train my dog go to http://trainapup.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Mitchell

Are You Harming Your Dog with Their Dog Food? Health Concerns Stemming from Commercial Dog Foods

2008-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

By Cindy McKie

Do you like eating foods laced with preservatives, fillers and potentially dangerous chemicals? I’m going to take a safe guess and say no—but most dog owners serve this to their beloved pets every day.

Death Due to Dog Food

Commercial dog food health concerns are being raised as more and more people are exposing the potentially harmful practices of commercial dog food manufacturing. On Friday March 16th a major dog and cat food recall was announced by Menu Foods, the company that makes 48 brands of pet foods including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba pet food. The Menu Foods recall was announced after it was discovered that 10 dogs and cats died and an unknown number affected from kidney failure as a result of eating these pet foods.

Do you know what’s in Your Dog’s Food?

The truth is many commercial dog foods have ingredients that would shock you.

Your Dog’s Food Could Contain:

Worms

Rancid Animal Fats

Diseased or cancerous meat

And…

Sodium Pentobarbital used to euthanize animals!

Yes, I’m sorry to tell you but dead animals could be in your dog’s dinner bowl. According to author Ann Martin, author of “Protect Your Pet” and “Food Pets Die For” it is a common practice that euthanized animals are routinely rounded up from veterinary clinics and sent to processing plants to become your dog’s food.

Now tell me—would you knowingly feed your beloved pet this type of food? Of course not! But commercial dog food health concerns stem from the fact that the manufacturers don’t have to tell you what happens to the meat before they get their hands on it.

Discover How To Feed Your Dog a Healthy, Life Enhancing Diet

The key to providing dog food health benefits is to feed your beloved pet the nutrients and vitamins they need—without the preservatives, fillers and tainted meat. Just as you take care to cook healthy meals for you and the rest of your family, you can easily create healthy recipes for your dog. Making homemade meals for your dog isn’t expensive, it isn’t difficult and it will dramatically improve the health and well being of your dog.

On the days that you may not be able to “cook” for your pet you can substitute a safe brand of kibble. You will have to study up on your pet food labels but there are a precious few commercial dog foods on the market that are designed with your pet’s health in mind…but you need to read those labels to be sure you’re giving them the correct brands.

Feed your dog a healthier, chemical free diet and they will:

Have stronger immune systems

Suffer less skin conditions

Better all over health including less chance of heart conditions and kidney failure

Live much longer

If you have a dog you know what a cherished member of the family they become. What you may not know is that you may be putting them at risk for disease and a significantly shorter life span every time you serve them their dog food. Health and happiness for your dog can be as simple as taking the time to learn the truth about commercial dog foods and learning how you can better feed your four legged friend

Cindy McKie is a freelance writer and owner of a 15 year old Bichon Frise named Molly. Learn how to start feeding your dog a healthier diet today with the 5 Free Tips to a Better Dog's Diet mini-course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_McKie

Behavioral Training For Your New Puppy

2008-12-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Jim McKiel

In this article we will discuss behavioral training for the newest member of your family.

Obedience training was discussed in an earlier article titled "Obedience Training for Your New Puppy". It has been shown that obedience training is very important for a puppy and behavioral training is just as important. In some puppy/dog training camps, behavioral training is considered to be training a puppy/dog to be "good" or "well behaved". In other training camps, behavioral training is considered to be "correcting a puppy/dogs bad behavior". For the sake of arguments, we will describe behavioral training in this article as training a puppy or dog to be well behaved as in house training and good manners when around people and other animals.

One of the very first training sessions will be house training. You want your puppy to do his business outside. If you are committed to this training, you can have a puppy housebroken in as little as three weeks. There may be a mistake now and again but the main process will be complete and the puppy will be going outside to do his business in the yard. A crate for the puppy to sleep in will aid in his house training and also protect him/her when you are unable to closely observe the puppy. Put your puppy on a feeding schedule and make sure you take them outside as soon as they are finished eating. Talk to them and praise them when they relieve themselves outside. If they do have an accident inside, tell them "no" sternly and take them outside immediately. Do not punish them for any accidents inside but praise them abundantly when they relieve themselves outside. Make sure you regulate their food and water before bedtime and take them outside before putting them in the crate for the night. Be consistent and determined in your training and it will pay off.

Training your dog not to jump up on people is a must. Teach them the correct way to greet people when they are small so you don't have a 90 pound dog jumping up on grandmother or anyone else who visits your home. Many people are frightened of large dogs because a large dog can cause injury if they jump up on people. One way to train a puppy not to jump up on people is to keep the puppy on a leash when someone comes to your house. Step on the leash so the puppy can't jump up as you open the door or greet the visitors. Command the puppy to sit (they can't do much else with you standing on the leash) and when he/she does reward them with a treat or pat on the head. Have a friend or relative practice with you and the puppy until they realize that if they sit when someone arrives, they will be rewarded. If he/she does try to jump up on the visitor, reprimand in a stern loud voice and start over. Never hit the puppy or yell at him/her.

Do not let your puppy or dog on the couch or bed unless you plan to let them on the furniture at all times. An animal doesn't understand that they can sleep on the bed or couch only on certain days or certain times. It is very unfair to them to let them do something on one day but refuse them the same privilege on another day. Make up your mind what the rules are before enforcing them with your puppy or dog. It is much easier to train a little bundle of fur not to get on the furniture then a big 120 pound Rottweiler who happens to like sleeping on your bed or couch. Consistency is the key.

Behavioral training will be an on going process just like obedience training. Yes, your puppy will learn the basics and yes they will still remember these as adult dogs but there may be new situations which the animal faces and new rules for the animal to learn. Also, the obedience training the puppy/dog receives will cross over to behavioral training. Sometimes the difference in the training is miniscule. You can not have a well behaved dog that is not obedient and an obedient dog will be well behaved.

Jim McKiel lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Doris and their pet family members Buddy and Buster. They have devoted their lives to the betterment of pet ownership. For more information, visit LargeBreedFamilyDogs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_McKiel

How to Care for Your New Adopted Dog

2008-12-15T05:08:00.000-08:00

By M. Bruno

Whether you and your new dog have come together as a result of a dog adoption, dog rescue or other means, one thing is certain…you must take the best care possible of your dog to assure the dog’s health and a long and rewarding life together.

Your new dog will need time to adjust to his new home and family. He just left a kennel or shelter where there were strange sounds and people.. Now he is in a new place with another set of new people and an environment that he needs to get comfortable in. He’ll want to explore. He’ll want to get to know his new home.. He’ll probably have some accidents as he gets to know his surroundings and will chew a few things. Keep on eye on him but expect this to happen. It’s all common during the adjustment period.

Here’s a few tips on dog care to get you started:

• Make sure your dog has been micro-chipped . This is a simple little device injected under the skin and will help identify your new adopted dog in case the dog ever gets lost and is brought to a dog shelter or dog rescue.

1. Another important accessory is a soft dog collar with an id tag attached. The id tag should have your name and a current phone number that you can be reached at in the event someone finds your newly adopted dog after a doggy adventure. Many careful dog guardians have discovered that their pal has slipped out a door, through a fence or run out to play only to get lost. Proper identification will enhance the probability of a quick and safe return home.

• Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times when you go for a walk . This will protect your dog from potential dangers such as cars and other dogs. It also will help you control your dog and protect her in the event the dog becomes excited at the site of other dogs or people.

• Spay or Neuter your Dog- Spaying and neutering is a very basic procedure that will help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Spayed or neutered fogs have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression . And finally, spaying and neutering helps control the exploding dog population. This will reduce the stress on overpopulated dog shelters and help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized annually.

• Choose the Perfect Veterinarian- Your adopted dog should receive regular vet checkups as a preventative medicine function and to treat any problems that may arise. Certain vaccinations are required by law such as one for rabies. When you choose a vet, ask the doctor what his/her philosophy is as to vaccinations, nutrition and general treatment protocols. One you select the vet that you feel is best for your dog, you will be started on a lifelong relationship for good canine health.

• Feed a high quality dog food.-There are a number of different philosophies on the best type of food to feed your adopted dog. Some believe that dogs should eat RAW food as they would in the wild. Others believe that kibble is the best way to go. Yet others decide to cook meats, veggies and rice as a diet. Talk with your vet as to what is best for your dog nutritionally and as to quantity and frequency of feedings. If you choose a commercial dog food make sure that it is not mostly filler. You can determine this by looking at the first agreements on the package. When you see grains and by products mentioned and the price is a bargain…leave it behind. Your adopted dog needs a nutritionally based diet that will help keep him healthy, not junk food. When in doubt, ask your vet.

• Make sure your adopted dog is licensed. You will need to province proof of vaccinations and should get an id tag. Your vet, the local dog shelter or dog rescue can provide you with information.

• Make sure your adopted dog has a warm place to live in the winter and cool place in the summer. Your dog should always have access to fresh water. I don’t support the idea of “outdoor” dogs. Dogs enjoy playing in the yard but should have a safe and comfortable place to rest . And never under any circumstance chain your dog and leave her unattended. Your dog wants to be with you and share your time and space. Having a companion is why you brought your dog home in the first place, isn’t it?

• Exercise your dog with frequent walks and play. Both you and your dog will benefit from the exercise, making your relationship stronger . Walk your dog at least 2 times a day. Exercise and meeting other folks along the way with friendly dogs will also help you to socialize your dog. Ask your vet how much exercise your dog should receive.

• Join a dog training class. Many places offer group lessons on basic behavior and socialization. This is a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity for you and your new adopted dog to develop a solid foundation.

• Be a Pal to Your Dog- Dog behavior and care can at times be frustrating. But almost any situation can be resolved with a little information and help. Don’t approach your new adopted dog with rapid hand movements at his face. He will be scared and his reaction may be unexpected including fear or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. When you have a question or don’t know what to do next, consult with your veterinarian, dog trainers and dog rescue folks who have probably seen the exact same situation countless times. Your adopted dog is now a member of your family and is counting on you to be a guardian and a pal.

Dogs 4 Life offers news, information and resources on dog adoption, dog rescue, dog food nutrition and dog care at http://www.dogs-4life.com This article may be reproduced unedited and provided the hyperlink to the author’s site is displayed with the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno

How to Take Care of a Black Lab Dog

2008-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

By Anna Hart

Imagine seeing this entry at an online dating site: “Avid swimmer, EBLD seeking lifetime relationship. Must haves: long runs in the park; exciting games of ball or Frisbee; constant attention. Must not haves: someone who’s too busy for me; someone who’ll put me in the doghouse.”

Who is EBLD? An Energetic Black Lab Dog! If you’re thinking of getting one, you’re going to want to know how to take care of a black Lab dog. And if you think you can take care of a black lab dog with little time, think again. This dog belongs with owners that are willing to spend time with and for it.

Attention

The most important factor in the care of a black Lab is attention. A black Lab will do without a lot of things, but it will not do without attention. A black Lab simply will not be ignored.

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most lovable, even-tempered dogs there is. He wants to share his immense supply of love with his owners, and can’t imagine they won’t take time to reciprocate.

Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent dogs. They can quickly sense reluctance on their owners’ part to spend time with them. They are eager to please, and use their intelligence to please you. In return, your care of a black Lab must include plenty of energetic play, and intelligent interaction.

Microchip

It is not essential to the care of a black Lab to have a microchip inserted, but it does provide a level of protection if your retriever strays.

Exercise

To provide good care of a black Lab, you will need to give it regular, daily exercise in large doses. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes daily as a minimum. Your black Lab will love to have 30 minutes morning and evening if possible.

Exercise should be varied. Include walks, on or off leash. Work in games of fetch (to allow you to breathe while he races!). Incorporate obedience or hunting training into your care of a black Lab and he will be able to exercise his intelligence, too.

Be sure the exercise is regular, as your black Lab’s boundless energy must find an outlet. If the outlet is not exercise, it may be destructive behavior.

Preventative Care

You should not limit your care of a black Lab to its present needs. You can forestall certain medical concerns, such as hip dysphasia, by giving the Labrador preventative care. Begin preventative care of a black Labrador when you first get the dog. First, check with the breeder to be sure the puppy’s parents are free of genetic problems. The puppy should have had its first shots and worming. Take it to a veterinarian for a check-up, and continue to take it for “wellness” visits.

Maintain preventative health care of a black lab by having your vet include, minimally: checks for external and internal parasites, inoculations, and heart worm preventative.

Food

The cook involved in the care of a black Lab must consider several things.

1. Black Labrador Retrievers will eat almost anything – think goat! To take care of a Black Lab, you need to guard against it eating junk.

2. The best food to give when taking care of a black Lab is real food. Give it real meat, raw or cooked: beef, chicken, and turkey. Give it fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Mix in brown rice and oatmeal for fiber, eggs and yogurt. Commercial dog foods, unknown before 1930, seem to exist as an outlet for rejected grains and meats that could not be sold to humans.

3. Watch your Labrador’s intake. If you really want to take proper care of a black Lab, you will not let it become overweight, risking heart disease, arthritis, and other health problems.

Grooming

You won’t need a professional groomer to take care of a Black Lab’s coat, but you should not assume the dog needs no grooming. Black Labradors shed a lot in spring and autumn, but they need to be groomed year-round.

To take proper care of a black Lab’s coat, you will need a narrow-toothed comb, short-haired rake, toenail clippers, wide-toothed comb, and a wire slicker brush. A bristle brush is nice for distributing oils when your Lab is not shedding.

Proper care of a black Lab will require daily grooming during seasonal blowing of the coat. The job is not nearly as large if done daily, and the sooner you remove dead hair, the sooner new hair can grow. Use the short-haired rake first, to rake out dead hairs. Use the wire slicker brush to get what the rake missed. Use the wide-toothed comb lightly to loosen matted hairs. The next step proves how intent you are on proper care of a black Lab. Go over the entire dog carefully with your narrow-toothed comb! Finish the job with your bristle brush to catch loose hairs.

Aside from spring and autumn’s major shedding periods, your Retriever will need to be brushed twice a week. Cut its toenails once every month to avoid foot problems.

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about the care of a Black Labrador Retriever at http://www.lovablelabradors.com Anna has posted additional information on that site about Labrador Retrievers of all colors. If you ever wondered about black and white labs, you’ll enjoy Anna’s perspective on the subject.

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Our Dog Trix - A Boxer Mix Has A Really Sensitive Stomach

2008-12-15T04:58:00.000-08:00

By Bob Crane

We have a six-year old boxer mix that has had a sensitive stomach since she was a puppy. Now that she is an adult the vomiting she had experienced as a puppy is rare but she still gets indigestion a lot. We have had to keep her on a dry food diet to keep her from getting sick which has worked well now for several years.

One morning when I was preparing to feed her I noticed a loud grumbling coming from her stomach. It was so loud that I heard it across the room. That was on a Saturday morning so I took her to the Vet right away. I was afraid that she may have bloat, a problem that can occur in a dog with a deep chest. What happens when a dog gets bloat is the stomach actually rotates within the chest. The Vet told us that if bloat is not dealt with quickly the animal would die. He took x-rays and found that her stomach was in the correct position ruling out bloat.

The vet at that time figured that she must have a virus because one was going around and he had had several complaints similar to ours that same morning. He prescribed some medication for the dog and we thought that was the end of it.

Around two weeks went by and the dog's symptoms had disappeared so we thought she was ok, that it was only the virus. Then one morning we were having hard boiled eggs and the dog was crazy about eggs so we gave her some. Later that afternoon she threw up everything that she had eaten all day undigested. The food had been in her stomach for at least eight hours and no signs of digestion at all. So we went back to the Vet to try to find out what was wrong with her this time. She had never thrown up undigested food before so this was possibly a new problem. Well, after another x-ray and exam the Vet saw what was wrong right away this time. It turned out that the piece of egg that we had given her earlier in the day had plugged the outlet from her stomach preventing digestion from taking place.

It was one of the tips of the egg that acted like a plug and it fit perfectly. Our mistake was thinking that she would chew the egg but she didn't. The vet also determined that the food that we feed her is too big. The kibbles for that type of dog should be no larger than a pea so if she swallows some of them whole they will be able to pass through her digestion system. My mistake was in giving her larger kibbles thinking that they would help keep her teeth clean and that probably would have been the case if she chewed all of her food. So if you have a dog that is having some stomach problems that you really can't pinpoint the cause of make sure the food is not too large for the type of breed dog that you have. Your Vet should have a chart to show you the size kibble your dog should have.

Bob Crane is the author of http://www.fordfseriestrucks.com a website that helps you find what you need for your Ford Truck. He also runs a blog at: http://www.fixnkeep.com The blog discusses preventative maintenance and corrective fixes on cars and things around the house. "Why buy new if you can fix what you already have."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Crane

Breeding Pitbulls

2008-12-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

By Bill Gunning

The fashion of trying to breed pitbulls was extremely famous back in the days when the pitbull was bred for the sole purpose of being tossed into a hole in the earth with another pitbull while hundreds of savage onlookers watched the dogs rip each other to shreds. It was the one who actually took the care to breed pitbulls that won all the praise and became a leader in the breeding industry. Many people whom did breed pitbulls in those days were in a constant position to always be battling for supreme breeder of the pitbull and especially the champion pitbull fighter.

Understanding Breeding Pitbulls

There are many contributing factors that play a role in a pitbulls personality and general disposition. Despite the belief that people breed pitbulls for the purpose of being mean and extremely aggressive is a gross misunderstanding because they are not bred to fight and they haven't been for a considerable amount of years. It is the people who own the dogs, not those that breed pitbulls generally that turn the dogs aggressive and mean and as a result the dogs become quite untrustworthy because they have been taught aggression. Again it is important to repeat that those who breed pitbulls are typically not to blame for a pitbull turning on a neighbor or an owner. These people are generally very irresponsible and the people that breed pitbulls didn't pick up on it.

Breeders that breed pitbulls typically watch for those potential owners that may be abusive because they don't want their dogs going out and later coming back that they have viciously attacked a young child or worse. Those who breed pitbulls are extremely responsible people and take the pitbulls reputation to heart due to the very nature of their livelihoods. While it can't and shouldn't be ignored that these poor dogs were subject to breeding for merely fighting purposes, it also shouldn't be something that intimidates you as your raising and treatment of the dog plays a very large role.

Those who breed pitbulls and raise them always insist that pitbulls are loving dogs and they adore human interaction and human affection. The pitbull actually believes that it is a lap dog and will often try to crawl into the owners lap to smother him or her with kisses however there are also many pitbulls that can develop very severe behavior problems if they are poorly bred, abused and not socialized. Like every animal care must be taken to ensure it is comfortable and at ease with other humans as well as dogs.

If you want to learn more about Brindle Pitbulls please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Pitbulls

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Tips on Pomeranian Grooming

2008-12-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

By Nathan Dormello

The Pomeranian dog is a very small little dog that is largely composed of a very thick and doubled coat of hair. There are actually several layers to the Pomeranian hair, which gives some people the impression that Pomeranian grooming would be extremely difficult due to the amount of hair they have however, Pomeranian grooming is not that, terribly difficult at all. The only notable difference is that some short haired dogs don’t need to be combed every single day however the Pomeranian is one that does require daily brushings due to the thickness and constant shedding.

In order to understand how to properly perform Pomeranian grooming on your puppy, it is really important that you realize that this breed of dog can knot and form tangles very easily. It is also an imperative issue to understand because of the double coat that the Pomeranian dogs have and they tend to shed those undercoats a couple of times a year. The Pomeranian grooming on a regular basis also immensely helps the coat grow and form on these little spunky dogs.

The Pomeranian Touch

There is likely no other dog that is more frequently seen in the dog shows as the Pomeranian. These little things are extremely popular and unlike a lot of breeds that can be disqualified by certain markings, it is widely accepted that most if not all Pomeranians are show dogs. It is for this very reason that there is so much focus and concentration paid to Pomeranian grooming as well as the fact that the Pomeranian coat is very coarse and thick. If it isn’t regularly maintained, groomed, washed and brushed the coat of the Pomeranian will suffer and turn very ratty, matted and full of knots and this doesn’t look very attractive on the little critters.

There are many owners that take part in regular Pomeranian grooming and are highly rewarded by happy little dogs, as they generally adore the attention and doting of being groomed. There are many tips and tricks you can learn to help you with your own Pomeranian grooming needs and can even help you with purchasing products that are necessary to maintain a nice coat for you dog. There are many sprays and products that can remove urine stains and grass stains as well as many other stains that your Pomeranian may have gotten into. Before you begin a Pomeranian grooming regime for you dog, be sure to find out all the helpful useful information from your local Pomeranian breeder.

If you want to learn more about Pomeranian Rescue please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Pomeranian

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House Training Your Puppy Or Dog

2008-12-15T04:39:00.000-08:00

By Abbie Frank

One of the best things about having a pet is the companionship they offer. Many of the idealized dreams of pet owners have been destroyed by the inability to properly house train a new puppy or dog. This is unfortunate because with very few exceptions, teaching a dog to relieve themselves outside is one of the easier things to do.

Understand that dogs are pack animals and in the wild, they choose to be very social and interact with a group. When you take on dog ownership, you are seen as part of the pack. Canines also prefer to sleep in a very clean, dry and warm place. This means that a dog or puppy will not purposely soil what they see as their home and sleeping area.

The key then is to take this natural preference and use it to develop a positive behavior of asking to go outside to relieve themselves. The absolute best way of getting the behavior you want is to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement.

Yelling, raising your voice, threatening and getting aggravated or physical with your puppy or dog will not nearly be as effective as positive reinforcement and consistency on your part. A dog simply has a difficult time associating an action with a consequence. It's their desire however to make you happy so anything like going outside to the bathroom should be seen as something that makes you happy. This means lots of praise will get your puppy housebroken a lot faster than getting upset.

It also means that if your dog has an accident inside your home and you do not see it while it's happening, you should not scold or say anything negative to your pup. And even better approach when you have to clean up a pile of poo is to ignore the dog completely. You don't want to show your displeasure because your puppy will not have the ability to associate your unhappiness with the bathroom accident. The reason for this is that you don't want to interact with the animal after finding something that you don't like.

You should also face the fact that your puppy or dog will have an occasional accident during the training. It's just a fact that there will be times when your puppy will not be able to control their bowels or bladder. If you catch them in the act of relieving themselves in your home however, simply pick them up and say firmly "NO" and take them directly outside to let them finish going to the bathroom.

Stay there with them and pay careful attention to make certain that they go. While outside, if they do indeed go potty, it's very important that you focus on that positive and offer them lots of praise and physical contact heading for doing a good job. This helps connect bathroom business with outside and pleasing you.

It's only through patience and understanding that you can successfully potty train your dog. Although it doesn't take a lot of time, it's important that you stay consistent with your training and realize that accidents will unfortunately happen.

Abigail Franks and her family love dogs of all sizes. Find out how to be successful with puppy potty training and crate training for your dog.

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What Are Golden Retrievers Like To Live With?

2008-08-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

By Carol Matthews

Best selling author Lisa Scottoline has four Golden Retrievers and one Welsh Corgi. She writes about them like this, "When you have a house full of Goldens, you think to yourself, You know, we need a dog". And which dog causes all the trouble in her home? The Corgi. Which dog literally ate part of her finger? The Corgi. Which dog is on doggy Prozac? The Corgi.

This shows the big contrast between Golden Retriever temperaments and the temperaments of most other dog breeds. Although every dog is an individual, for the most part Golden Retrievers are calm, trainable and submissive. However, they need proper nutrition, grooming and exercise to get this good-natured and stay this good-natured. Golden Retrievers aren't the perfect dogs, but for many they are worth their weight in gold for their personalities. If you are ever saddled with a Golden Retriever, you could do a lot worse.

There are some negatives to living with Golden Retrievers that you should prepare yourself for. These will be mild for some people and calamities for others. Golden Retrievers need daily grooming, or they get matted. They shed more than other breeds. It has been said they have more of a doggy odor than other breeds. They also were bred to be Retrievers (hence the name), which means they have a compulsion to pick things up in their mouths and carry them to your home. This can mean they find a big dead rat and carry in into your living room, fully expecting to be showered with praise.

Golden Retrievers, because of their popularity, have been victims of their own success. Some unscrupulous breeders more concerned about how many puppies they can sell as opposed to how healthy the puppies are have over bred them. There is an effort of Golden Retriever breeders to try and reverse health problems that can be passed on through genes. Just to be on the safe side, expect your Golden Retriever to have skin problems, hip dysplasia, eye problems and heart problems.

You can greatly help your Golden Retriever's behavior, trainability and health by getting your dog spayed or neutered. The dog will already be neutered if you adopt from a Golden Retriever rescue center. Neutering makes the dog more relaxed, more willing to accept people as the ones in charge and less likely to run away in search of love. Neutered dogs also tend to live longer and get less cancer.

Golden Retrievers are prone to some health conditions, so you should be prepared for such a possibility. They are often prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia, heart conditions and itchy skin problems. However, a Golden Retriever will usually not be so terrified of going to the vet like other dogs. There is a big effort by responsible Golden Retriever breeders to weed out all unhealthy Golden Retrievers from the breeding population. On average, Golden Retrievers live to be between ten and twelve years old.

A dog-lover and professional breeder, Carol Matthews has extensive experience in raising and caring for the dogs. The Golden Retriever is the perfect combination of action with beauty. It is widely accepted for its intelligence, obedience, golden shade and liveliness. This article offers all the basic the Golden Retriever information including its history.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Matthews

Using A Bark Collar To Train Your Dog

2008-08-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

By Craig Thornburrow

Sometimes it becomes necessary to implement a bark collar into your dog's training. "Man's best friend" can become the biggest sore spot in your life if you cannot get your dog to realize that it is not necessary to bark constantly. The reasons that dogs continually bark can vary, for example some dogs are just nervous ticks so they bark at anything and everything. Other dogs maybe a "Type A" dominant dog and attempting to set its boundaries. No matter what the reason for your dog's barking you know that you just want it to cease, now.

Implementing a bark collar for your dog's training maybe just the solution you need. This is especially true if you have tried other training methods to no avail. It is unfortunate but collars used to control barking have over the years gotten a bad rap. There is a misconception that these collars actually harm the dog physically or psychologically. When you use these collars properly nothing can be further from the truth. There will be no adverse impact on your dog. In fact the opposite is true.

When a dog's barking becomes a nuisance everyone around the dog begins to yell at the dog. Yelling and screaming at the dog won't actually solve the problem but you will feel a little better for a few minutes. The dog however will be impacted by the constant barrage of yelling. You will begin to see your dog cower each time you raise your voice. Some dogs will just lower their heads and walk away none of which is good for your dog's mental well being.

With a collar you can teach your dog when it is not appropriate to bark. For example when you are out taking the dog for a walk you can put the collar on. This way your dog will quit barking at every car that passes by. The collar works this way. When your dog begins to bark the vibrations from his vocal cords will trigger the mechanism in the collar and it will correct the dog with either an electric stimulus or a spray. So you have two types of bark collars to choice from.

Some owners prefer the spray type of collar to the electric stimulus. With the spray type of collar the dog will receive a corrective burst of bad smelling spray to their snout when they bark. The spray is harmless to both humans and dogs however to dogs it is a very unpleasant smell. The dog will eventually connect the idea that when they bark they get the spray and will begin to bark less.

No matter which one you decide to use make sure you read and understand the instructions for the collar before you being your training sessions. Following the directions will insure that your dog will learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. Implementing a bark collar can help you break the bad habits your dog has formed in regards to its barking.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on bark collars and bark control collars at http://www.barkcollarsfordogs.com

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Guide To Shar Pei Breeders

2008-08-24T23:02:00.002-07:00

By Melissa Coleman

One of the most rare dog breeds in the world is the Shar Pei (pronounced Shar-Pay). This ancient Chinese breed's name translates to "sand skin" after its short, coarse coat. This dog faced extinction and was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most rare dog in 1978. The breed has gained popularity since that time and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

The Shar Pei is easily distinguished from other breeds by its unique wrinkled appearance and blue-black tongue. Puppies have wrinkles all over their bodies when born but as adults grow into their wrinkles. The original Chinese Shar Pei grew out of its wrinkles almost completely so that the body was smooth and only the face and neck retained wrinkles. A modern breeder maintains a western version of the dog, which retains more wrinkles. A Shar Pei comes in many colors including red, tan, white, blue-grey and black. The breed's coat comes in three types, horse, brush and bear. they also have high-set, short, curly tails.

Finding a good Shar Pei breeder may be a daunting task at first because the breed is so rare. Potential buyers can utilize the Internet, the local ASPCA and word of mouth to find a good breeder. Most breeders also run or are at least affiliated with rescue centers that save purebred Shar Pei from abuse and neglect. Buying a rescued dog may be a good option for some buyers.

Some traits to identify a good breeder include maintaining a kennel to whelp and raise healthy puppies, encourage visits to the kennel to see the puppies and mothers, the puppies are friendly, happy, and do not appear afraid of people and they also interview potential buyers to make sure dog and new owner are a good match. Professional breeders are also affiliated with other animal support groups and rescue centers, recognized by the American Kennel Club and are able to provide references of other owners who have bought Shar Pei from them. Before turning over a puppy to a new owner an experienced breeder will have had the puppies evaluated for typical health conditions common to the Shar Pei breed, provide medical records and history of vaccinations and evaluations and provide pedigree information and registration papers

A good breeder will never sell Shar Pei to a pet store. There are several reasons for this. First, pet stores sell animals just like any other merchandise. Puppies are shipped from one place to another and put on display for hours at a time. Second, buyers are not screened, as they would be by a breeder. Anyone with a credit card can buy a puppy. Third, unsold puppies may be shipped to yet another store, sold to a smaller pet store or euthanized. Shar Pei breeders ensure that their puppies remain in a stable environment until they are sold to a good home. Lastly, pet stores do no follow-up on sold puppies.

Breeders, on the other hand, usually keep one out of every litter for themselves and ask for buyers to return dogs to the breeder if owners cannot keep them for any reason. Pet stores cannot offer a real guarantee or warranty on health or pedigree since their merchandise comes from illegitimate backyard breeders. An ethical Shar Pei breeder offers pedigree information, registration papers and a warranty.

Melissa Coleman has published hundreds of articles on dogs, including Shar Peis. The Shar Pei has a sketchy history at best. By learning Shar Pei information, there will be fewer Shar Peis abandoned.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Coleman

Important To Have The Right Food For Your Dog

2008-08-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

By Dechen KsLau

We love our dogs and we want the best for them. We buy them expensive beds, toys, clothes(!?), and other accessories. It seems that there is no end to the lengths we will go to make our little friends' lives better. But how do we decide which food to feed him?

To begin, there is not a single dog food that is right for every dog. Many dog foods are well-formulated and will be great for most dogs. However, those same foods may not be so good for some dogs - they may even cause gastrointestinal upset in some.

A good starting point in determining the appropriate food is your dog's stage of life. Puppies need higher amounts of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals for proper growth. If an adult dog eats a food formulated for puppies he is likely to become overweight. Senior dog foods are formulated in a way that makes it more easily digested.

Dry dog food is usually recommended more often but some dogs prefer semi-moist or canned. Moist dog food is often recommended for dogs with missing teeth or other dental problems.

Good nutrition is essential to good health. When making decisions related to the food your dog eats consider comparing nutritional labels. Some cheaper or economy brands of dog food use inexpensive ingredients, many of which are not easily digested, which of course means they do not provide the best nutrition for your dog. These foods may meet the legal specifications but many have lower-grade proteins and lower energy values.

In many cases the healthy nutrients may pass through the dog's digestive system without being absorbed. This leads to another disadvantage of feeding your dog such lower quality food - your dog will need to eat more in order to get the same amount of nutrition that he could get in a smaller amount of premium dog food. In the end you may find the economy brands cost more because you go through the bags more quickly.

Always compare the ingredients between the various brands before making a choice. The ingredients are listed by weight. The first or second ingredient listed in a quality food should be meat, fish, egg, or some type of meat meal or fish meal. These ingredients all have a high biological value. That means they have a high percentage of protein.

The "Guaranteed Analysis" is a chart that lists the percentages of various ingredients contained in that particular dog food. But keep in mind that the analysis does not take into account the amount of moisture in that food. Even dry dog foods have some moisture content.

After careful consideration make a selection. If you decide to switch from one dog food to another you will need to allow time for the transition. A gradual change will assist your dog with the adjustment to the new food choice. Plan the transition over a course of about a week or a little longer depending on your dog's acceptance of the new food.

Start by mixing three parts of the current or old dog food brand to one part of the new. Feed that mixture for 2 - 3 days. If your dog does well with that you can then mix the foods half and half. Feed the 50/50 mixture for two or three days, again depending on your dog's adjustment. You can then switch to the three parts new - one part old mixture and then make the complete switch.

By carefully selecting a quality food for your dog you will enrich and lengthen his life. That means he will be there to be your friend and companion longer - and that makes all of us happier!

Dechen KsLau is an Author, Speaker, and Consultant specializing in Internet Marketing and Puppy Lover

http://www.puppylover.us

http://www.squidoo.com/lucky-dog

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Free Shih Tzu Puppies - 3 Ideas for Adopting a Shih Tzu Puppy

2008-08-24T23:01:00.001-07:00

By Kathryn McDonald

Shih Tzu puppies are arguably the cutest and most lovable pets one could dream of owning. Their friendly and lively personality makes them the perfect pet. Many hope to have a one as a pet, but where does one start to look to own one? How do you avoid those breeders who are asking outrageous amounts of money for a "special" breed? Better yet, where do you find free Shih Tzu puppies?! I have some ideas.

1.) Check out your local newspaper's classifieds

Sometimes you can get lucky and find free Shih Tzu puppies by browsing the pets section of the classifieds in your local newspaper. This can be rare, but even if you can't find some, you might still be able to find puppies that are fairer priced. Also, don't be afraid to give the breeder a call to see if you can arrange for a lower price!

2.) Call your local or surrounding animal shelters or humane societies

Go ahead and pull out the phone book and call your local animal shelter or animal shelters in surrounding cities. They might be trying to find a home for any puppies they've recently rescued or picked up. Not only is this a chance to find free Shih Tzu puppies but make a difference in one's life!

3.) Visit adoption and rescue websites online

Similar to calling animal shelters, a lot of websites online are focused to finding people to adopt or rescue a Shih Tzu. Again, this would not only be a great way to find free Shih Tzu puppies, but to provide companionship for a lost or abandoned dog. With adoption, you might only have to option to adopt an adult rather than a puppy.

However, there are many advantages to adopting an adult. You can read more about these advantages here.

While it isn't easy to find free Shih Tzu puppies, you aren't obligated to paying outrageous prices to buy what breeders might advertise as a "special" breed of Shih Tzu. Check out all your options available before you settle on buying one from any single place.

If you have more questions about Shih Tzus, or owning a Shih Tzu, then check out Shih-Tzu-Information.com for more helpful articles like this one!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_McDonald

Dog Health Problems Veterinarians Will Not Tell You About

2008-08-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

By Jay Jacovitz

If we want to avoid a dog or cat health problem and quickly get our pet health questions answered, be prepared to take an active role in avoiding dog or cat health problems with more informed communication with your veterinarian when needed. Avoiding dog and cat health problems and extending their life is not an accident. This can be accomplished by simply knowing how to examine, diagnose and often treat your pet at home.

Today there is such a manual available to effectively deal with pet health problems that can save you a tremendous amount of money while drastically improving the overall health of your pets.

In some cases, this could be a matter of life or death for your pet.

Unlike anything ever seen or available before now, veterinary doctor Andrew Jones writes without medical jargon, without complicated procedures, and without an eye on the pharmaceutical companies' bottom line. With the help and guidance of this manual, all that is required is the willingness to comfort and care for your sick or injured pet so you can alleviate pain or begin treatment before you even reach your vet.

The truth is that veterinarians have STRONGLY discouraged pet owners from treating their dog and cat health problems at home. The entire pet health industry has a vested interest in discrediting alternative medicines which can safely, naturally and effectively allow pet owners to care for their pets at home.

Dr. Jones, owner of the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson, BC, Canada, unequivocally states: "If you're not ready to make some simple changes to the way you provide veterinary care to your pet, beginning today, your dog or cat could be seriously ill and live a shortened life. I came to realize that I and most other veterinarians are not 'getting it' - that in the process of trying to heal pets through technological advances, we are actually making them sicker!" Dr. Jones further states: "Regular veterinary care has lost it's effectiveness over the years, and in some cases is causing illness in our pets".

Veterinarians for the most part are wonderful people who want only the best for their clients and your pets that are their patients. Like in any profession, there are terrific, good, passable and poor practitioners and this has nothing to do with their personalities.

Too many pets, both dogs and cats, and their owners suffer with a health problem because they relied exclusively on their vets to receive medical care.

When a vet is the only care option for a dog or cat health problem, guardians sometimes delay bringing their pet in for treatment because the pet becomes ill "after hours".

A dog or cat may have a health problem exasperated due to exclusive reliance on harsh drug treatments because guardians (and their vets) are unaware of effective, gentle, and natural treatments; or, treatment for chronic illnesses was discontinued by the owner because it was complicated or expensive, or the guardian was unable to afford the follow-up office visits and treatment.

There are some very real and common dangers your veterinarian will not tell you about for various reasons that result in dog health problems including the fact that he or she may not even know about them. However, given the opportunity, most pet guardians would want to know all the information that affects or could affect their companions.

Would you as a pet guardian give your dog something that might cause a "side effect" health problem such as: cancerous sarcomas, autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system, including anaphylactic shock, aggression, seizures, and epilepsy? Believe it or not, shockingly these are adverse reactions to the RABIES VACCINE, especially from unnecessary over-vaccination.

Many pet owners have no idea that numerous dog health problems are a result of rabies over-vaccination.

Vets will often give a 3-YEAR dose of the rabies vaccine once a year, although the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) instructs them of the toxic dangers of this type of over-vaccination. Even more alarming, dogs may not need the vaccination for 5 years, and older dogs don't need it at all. You can avoid the dangers and associated health problems for your dog by asking if the rabies vaccine is a 3-year dose, which it should be. If "yes", and the vet insists on giving it annually, direct them to the AAHA website which is clear on the danger and states the extra vaccination is proven to not improve the dog's resistance to the rabies and can pose a health problem to your dog.

Certain dog health problems are caused by vets themselves, such as vaccinosis which requires hospitalization with IV fluids. The onset of vaccinosis is typically two weeks to a month following vaccinations. Symptoms that can appear in the dog include autoimmune diseases, such as irritable bowel disorders, lupus, pemphigus, hypothyroidism, chronic skin disease or allergic dermatitis.

Avoid over-immunization and you can avoid a health problem for your canine.

Have vaccine titers tested measuring the number of antibodies in your dog's bloodstream, for a particular viral disease. If the titers are adequate, no vaccine is needed. Both the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA now say vaccinations should be assessed yearly and tailored to an animal's age, health and lifestyle.

Often misdiagnosed as a sign of older age, Cushing's syndrome is another example of a dog health problem often caused by a vet's medication or over-medication of cortico-steroids.

Dr. Jean Dodds, one of the world's foremost experts in canine vaccine reactions, says: "Recent vaccinations with single or combination modified live virus (MLV) vaccines are increasingly recognized contributors to immune-mediated blood diseases, bone marrow failure, organ dysfunction and cancer". Dr. Wendell O. Belfield, author of "How to Have a Healthier Dog", further contributes that: "BHA and BHT [preservatives] are known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction and are banned in some European countries. Ethoxyquin is suspected of causing cancer, and that propylene glycol, another common pet food ingredient, causes the destruction of red blood cells."

It doesn't matter what category your pet's health problem falls under.

Dr. Andrew Jones, in his manual, discusses these dog and cat health problem issues, and reveals simple secrets to safeguard your pet's health. His purpose was to make available an informative manual that instructs dog and cat owners to care for and treat their pets on their own, and to help slash vet bills and even save your dog or cat's life, with over 1,000 safe, natural and effective solutions and information for healing your pet. The manual may well be one of the best investments you ever make for your pet's health.

To those who are truly devoted to their dogs or cats and want to give the best possible care in dealing with or avoiding health problems, the manual offers every available treatment option if your pet becomes sick. It will also help you prevent diseases so your pet is less likely to become ill and require veterinary care in the first place.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com - created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.

Interested pet owners can find out more Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Jacovitz

Training Your Dog Yourself

2008-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

By Nicholas Hunt

A good dog training program is something that all dog owners should look into. Not only will this help your dog be able to obey better but it will also strengthen the bond with your dog. However, this does not have to be done by a professional as there really is nobody better equipped to train your dog than you, yourself.

Whenever you are working with a dog training program, you need to remember that you are the one that is in control. However, you do not want to come across as being too forceful either. The goal here is to be both friendly and assertive at the same time.

So, how do you train your dog to obey you? Of course, you do not want to just start yelling commands at your dog. Instead, you are going to need to have a good game plan. Part of this has to do with ensuring that your dog is in the right mindset before you even get started. As such, you should not try to train your dog right after he has eaten and you may wish to take him for a quick walk before you get started. Another thing that it is good to do before training him is to take a little time to play with him so that he will feel relaxed and comfortable with you. All of this will help to eliminate distractions and help you get down to business.

Whenever you are training your dog and he does something right, make sure that you have a treat available to give to him. This helps your dog to know when he has done something right. On the other hand, do not get upset when he occasionally runs off during a training session - this is normal. Simply call him back and get back on task right away. It is also normal for him to seem absolutely clueless at times. Herein you simply need to find a better way in which to communicate with him, even if this means showing him what you want him to do.

Training your own dog is a rewarding experience that has huge benefits. In the end, you will be happy that you have made this decision.

Nicholas writes on pet insurance, and his site offers advice on such topics as insurance for aged pets, horse insurance, and buying pet insurance online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Hunt

Vegetarian Dog Treats And Where To Find Them

2008-08-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

By Jake Poole

Vegetarian dog treats are becoming more popular as more dog lovers become concerned about meeting the nutritional needs of the four-legged members of the household. However, there are a still people who are not sure what is in these types of treats, and where they can find them. Here are some things you should know about these treats, and my they may be ideal for your dog.

One of the problems with many commercial treats for pets is that they contain a lot of animal by-products. In some cases, this may mean that your pet is getting a higher amount of fat in the diet than you would like. Because a vegetarian dog treat is free of animal fats, the treat will not promote the accumulation of fatty deposits throughout the body. Your dog will retain a lean figure, and there will be fewer worries about being able to control and maintain your dog's weight.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that a vegetarian dog treat is not short on essential vitamins,proteins and other supplements. In fact, the treat will actually be easier for your dog to digest, since all the ingredients are vegetable based. Many people do not realize that natural organic matter can be an excellent source of protein, and one that contains none of the other elements that could have adverse effects on the long-term health of your pet. Look for vegetarian treats that contain a rich balance of greens, legumes, and similar vegetables,and your dog will be healthy for a long time to come.

Finding a vegetarian dog treat is not as hard as you may think. Many health food stores will carry vegetarian alternatives that are both tasty and nutritious. Local pet markets may also include a few vegetarian based dog treats that are made locally, and completely free of any preservatives. You can even go online and find several vegetarian dog treat options that are especially created for various breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. While you will pay a little more for a vegetarian dog treat, keep in mind that you are helping to ensure that your beloved pet remains happy and healthy for a long time to come.

Find more information about these treats and where to find vegetarian dog treats here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Poole

Dog Training Aids - How To Stop Your Puppies Chewing and Nipping Habits

2008-08-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

By Finley Zhang

Puppies are cute but can also be painful to play with. When puppies get too excited as you play with them they are prone to nip. This is at the least annoying and at the most can do real harm to young children who may be playing with the new pup.

That's not the only problem from their teeth. When you are not keeping an eye on them they are testing out those powerful teeth on everything in your home. Veterinarians have found all sorts of things in the bellies of puppies after they got into a chewing frenzy. From drywall to clothing and even pieces of doors, puppies have no discretion when it comes to what they should be chewing on. Not only can this make a mess of your home, but it can also be dangerous to their bodies as they are taking in foreign substances that can make them sick.

When they are puppies, these are annoying habits, but as they grow up, it will only get worse, unless you stop it. So, how do you stop the chewing and nipping habits?

First you have to understand puppies. Just like small children, puppies use their mouths to get to know the world around them. They like to chew and nip at things. It is instinctual.

So, the first way to break this habit is by giving them things that are acceptable to chew on. From day one you need to teach your puppy what items are okay to chew on, and which ones are not. While many people like to punish their puppies for doing the wrong thing, this is not the best way to train them what you would like them to do. Instead the better way is to encourage them to chew on toys they should be chewing on. When you catch them doing something they should not you can point and tell them 'no' sternly, then show them what is acceptable to chew on. Once they start chewing on their toys, praise the behavior and play with them so they know this is the right thing to do.

When it comes to nipping, usually it is hands that are nipped by puppies. This may well be because you are moving your hands around in play and they see this is as natural response to the action in front of them. One of the obvious answers to the situation is to make sure your hand isn't where they can bite it. That means using toys that do not involve your hands being close to the puppy mouth. Instead of tug of war games, teach them fetching games where your hand is nowhere near the toy when they grab a hold of it.

If the puppy is nipping, it is time to correct the behavior. You need to firmly tell the pup 'no' and then pull your hand away. Sometimes a pup will come forward and try to nip again. At this point you have a few options. The first is to say 'no' again and walk away from the puppy, and isolate him for a minute or two (no longer). Puppies don't like to be alone and this will be something they do not want repeated. The other option is to tell the puppy 'no' and then hold their mouth closed for a few seconds. Most puppies will whimper and may back away once you let loose. Again, it will be an action they don't want. Other puppies like the challenge and may try to nip again. This is when you need to switch to the isolation response. Another option is to make the puppy not like the taste of nipping. There are many bitter tasting training liquids at pet stores. You can put some of this on your hands and when the puppy starts nipping, he will get a bitter aftertaste, and realize the results are not what he had hoped.

When working with puppies and chewing and nipping habits remember it is a puppy you are working with. Just like a small child it may take them a while for him understand the rules and get them right. It is important to be persistent but also patient.

Finley Zhang is a dog lover, and he enjoys sharing information and knowledge about dog. He is owner of YummyHealthyDogFood, It has helped dog owners increase dog's lifespan by sharing dog food recipes, dog care, and dog health tips. Access the tips now by visiting http://www.YummyHealthyDogFood.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Finley_Zhang

Dog Information and What You Really Need To Know

2008-08-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

By Brigitte Smith

Your dog is really a member of your family, and you will do anything you can to make sure that he is happy and healthy. In order to do this, you need the right dog information to make the right decisions regarding your best friend. Perhaps the most important decision you will ever make in this regard is the decision of which dog food to feed your pet. This is an important decision, as it will affect every other part of your dog's life.

The most popular types of dog food on the market today can be grouped into three categories: grocery store pet food, premium pet food, and natural pet food. All three kinds are readily available online and from a variety of local stores. Search the internet to find out more about the types of pet food available, as well as other dog information.

Grocery store foods are the most commonly seen type of pet food. They are targeted to the largest amount of people and are in relatively high profile. But unfortunately, these foods are often sub par and contain poor-quality ingredients. These companies often outsource their labor, and the substantial pet food recall in the news last year goes to show you what can happen.

Premium foods are somewhat more expensive to buy, and can be found only in pet specialty stores. These foods can range in quality from the grocery store foods all the way up to natural foods. This is a large category of dog foods. If you want dog information regarding a particular food, your pet store employees should be able to tell you what you want to know.

The third category of pet foods is that of natural and organic food. Examples of brands from this category would be Life's Abundance dog food and Wysong dog food. Almost without exception, foods in this category are great in quality and offer optimum nutrition for your dog. They have everything your dog needs to maintain his energy and youth for a long time to come. You'll have to shop at specialty stores (either physical stores or online ones) to find this type of food, since they aren't mass marketed. When you order from these stores, you'll typically have the option of having the product delivered right to your door.

Each breed is different and have different nutritional needs. The food requirements also are affected by weight. Collecting enough dog information is paramount before choosing a particular brand of dog food. There aren't many brands that meet the highest standards of pet food manufacturing.

Proper dog information is important in helping you care for your beloved pet. It's especially important to make an informed choice about your dog's food. While grocery store dog foods and premium food may be readily available, natural and organic foods such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Wysong Dog Food are made with human-grade ingredients and all the nutrients dogs need for a healthy and happy life. These foods are a little harder to find, but they are worth seeking out. Check to see if they are available at specialty retail stores in your area. Online ordering is a convenient option.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith